Researchers at Johns Hopkins University recently claimed that people alter their intestinal biome, where trillions of bacteria live, by taking too many antibiotics during childhood. Seems that when this antibiotic altered state happens, one result is excess weight gain. Here's how that works.

If your child has a bacterial infection (say, an ear infection) and takes an antibiotic to appropriately kill harmful, spreading microbes, there's collateral damage to good gut bacteria. And their loss can affect the way a person's whole biome breaks down food - a basic function of gut bacteria - and that can lead to weight gain. Young kids are the most susceptible.

After reviewing health data on more than 163,000 children 3-18 years old, researchers found that kids' body mass index increased throughout teen years as their use of antibiotics increased. To be specific, the more antibiotics taken during childhood, the greater the teenage weight gain.

So, what should parents of a sick child do? First, don't insist that your doctor provide antibiotics when they're not appropriate - say, for a viral infection or a bacterial infection that will resolve on its own. And if the doctor does prescribe antibiotics, make sure they're completely necessary. Then ask about taking an appropriate probiotic during and after that antibiotic use. It will help correct your child's altered state and restore biome balance.

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Songs like the 1960s favorite from The Turtles, "Happy Together," and the 2013 chart-buster from Pharrell Williams, "Happy," raise our spirits and reaffirm how important happiness is. And scientists agree: Research shows gleeful joy and quiet pleasure dispel stress, bolster cardio health and help you make healthier lifestyle choices.

Ironically, the pursuit of happiness isn't what makes you happier. It's better to aim for experiences or accomplishments that develop inner resources you need for living well. That's how happiness happens.

Unfortunately, a recent study says happiness is on the decline for folks older than 30. Researchers analyzed data gathered from 1972-2014 on 1.3 million Americans ages 13-96. They found that the old saying that you get happier as you get older stopped being true around 2010!

Why? Perhaps the fast and fleeting relationships of the digital age seem exciting to younger folks but deprive mature people of the community and stability they desire. Or maybe expectations in this era of "Why aren't you a dot.com millionaire by now?" are so high that they can't be met, which sinks in after age 30.

Whatever the cause, it's time to take steps to get happier. Walking 10,000 steps a day for five days a week boosts self-confidence, dispels stress and fuels physical and emotional strength. So can eliminating the Five Food Felons, as can doing work you enjoy and spending time with friends and family. So write a list of activities, experiences, social or work interactions then let happiness bloom.

Q: You're always so helpful to me with your advice for my dog that I thought I'd ask you about the sweetener called xylitol that's in gum and candy and can be lethal for dogs. Why is it so dangerous for my dog but not for me?

Oscar W., Portland, Oregon

A: You are right that the sugar substitute xylitol is very toxic to dogs. It can cause a massive release of insulin, depending on the size of the dog and the amount ingested, that then dramatically lowers blood sugar, causing loss of coordination and even loss of consciousness. The dog's liver becomes inundated by the overdose of insulin, and internal organs can shut down. Any dog that accidentally ingests xylitol should be taken to the vet immediately.

For people, xylitol is used as a sugar substitute. You can find it in diabetic snacks and foods because in humans it triggers a small release of insulin. It's also found in baked goods, candies, gums, mints and mouthwashes, and in larger amounts in toothpaste because it helps prevent tooth decay. Xylitol usually is a processed sweetener, but you can find organic xylitol that's extracted from birch wood.

So don't leave sugarless gum in an open purse or have snacks containing xylitol on countertops. To keep your dog even safer, protect him from sampling dark chocolate; it can be fatal within 24 hours. Grapes and raisins can cause liver failure in dogs. Avocados, garlic, onions and Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, but they are all good for people. Make sure your dog eats only what his vet wants him to.